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Corns and Calluses in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach

When there is too much friction or pressure on your feet for extended periods of time, the skin will harden to protect itself. If this occurs, patients in Boynton Beach and Boca Raton can develop corns and calluses. This friction occurs when something repeatedly comes into contact with part of the foot, while uneven pressure occurs when your bodyweight is not properly distributed. Both friction and pressure are typically the results of poor shoe choice.

What are Corns and Calluses?

Corns and calluses are very similar in how they form: the skin on the foot becomes thick and rough to the touch. The thickened skin will eventually become dead tissue, and the layer underneath typically becomes irritated. As a result, this irritation causes pain when pressure is applied to the affected area. However, corns and calluses do form in different areas of the foot–corns are found on the toes, while calluses form on the bottom of the foot.

Causes of Corns and Calluses in Boynton Beach and Boca Raton

There is not just one cause of corns and calluses. However, poor shoe choice is thought to be the main reason for the development of corns and calluses in Boynton Beach and Boca Raton. Some examples of poorly fitting shoes include the following:

Shoes that are too tight or pinch the toes

High-heeled shoes that unevenly distribute weight

Shoes that are too loose and do not fit properly

Shoes that do not provide proper arch support

In addition to poor shoe choice, some foot conditions can contribute to the development of corns and calluses, such as hammertoe. Those who have foot deformities may also be at a higher risk of developing corns and calluses in Boynton Beach and Boca Raton.

Treatment of Corns and Calluses in Boynton Beach and Boca Raton

Following a physical examination of the foot, one of our podiatrists in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach will be able to diagnose your condition. Simply changing your shoes and being more mindful of how shoe choice affects your feet can usually clear up and prevent mild corns and calluses. Dr. Pinsky, Dr. Greissman and Dr. Aedo, our foot doctors in Boynton Beach, FL and Boca Raton, FL, may also recommend the following home remedies to eliminate mild corns and calluses:

Padding: To protect the area where the corn is located, you can use small pads that shield the area from friction.

Massage: Rubbing corns and calluses following a shower with a pumice stone or a callus file to eliminate the thickened skin.

Larger corns and calluses may have to be surgically reduced. Our foot doctors in Boynton Beach and Boca Raton will use a blade to carefully shave away the thickened or dead skin—similar to how a pumice stone works, but much more effective. The procedure is painless and is usually completed on an outpatient basis. A cortisone injection may also be used to reduce pain caused by corns or calluses.

Contact our podiatrists in Boynton Beach, FL and Boca Raton, FL for more information on corns and calluses.